SFU and Siemens Canada announce academic partnership

Beginning in August 2017, SFU will offer the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program at their Surrey campus.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Siemens Canada are partnering up in a new academic initiative.

This collaborative effort will provide advanced learning and certification opportunities for engineering students and professionals.

The announcement came at an SFU hosted industry engagement day along with an introduction of the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program (SMSCP) at the university’s Surrey campus, and an in-kind grant of sophisticated Siemens PLM software.

Beginning in August 2017, SFU will offer the globally recognized program to qualified students and professionals interested in advancing their skills in automation and manufacturing.

SFU will also receive an in-kind grant of Siemens PLM software, enabling students in the Faculty of Applied Sciences to use the NX software technology in their classrooms.

“As Canada’s engaged university, SFU is proud to partner with Siemens, a world leader in high-technology manufacturing,” says Joanne Curry, Vice President External Relations, SFU. “This certification will give program participants a clear advantage as they pursue careers in automation and manufacturing, and will equip them with skills and knowledge to meet the changing needs of industry. We are excited to provide such opportunities for SFU and other B.C. students and professionals.”

SFU is one of only seven Canadian schools to offer the SMSCP courses which will be taught by SFU instructors who are certified professional engineers and have trained at the Siemens Technik Academy in Berlin, Germany.

“The skills needed for the future of manufacturing are very different from what is currently required, and that means students need to train today for the jobs of tomorrow,” says Bo Ouyang, Executive Vice President and CFO, Siemens Canada, “We have a great academic partner in Simon Fraser University who believes this as well and together we will help provide students with the technology and training to become leaders of this digital future.”

Applications are currently being accepted for the Level 1 SMSCP courses that will begin in mid-August. The course framework allows framework allows students and professionals to continue working or studying full-time while enrolled in the program.